My Regime...

I don't pretend to be a beauty expert but I have been a make up lover for over 13 years now. I have the things I love and products I stick to and I have brands that failed me terribly. I've found that drug store make up works for me and mineral make up just plain doesn't. I've learned there are products I'm willing to spend a little more on for quality's sake. I've learned there are some cheap-o products that get the job done too.

So I'll walk you through my morning routine and give you my thoughts on products I have at my house as we speak...



Soft Soap Body Butter: Coconut Scrub
I have sensitive skin so if I use ANYTHING with perfumes in it...I'll usually break out in a rash. That includes my favorite body washes from Bath and Body works. If I'm gifted them, I'll use them anyway and endure the rash - but really, I shouldn't. I find if I stick to really plain brands my skin doesn't protest and the Soft Soap gets the job done. I like the scrubs because I like to think I get even cleaner with them. Also - for grocery store body scrubs - this one smells fantastic!



Neutrogena Acne Wash: Pink Grapefruit
I love that it took me 5 years to learn that the reason my skin completely changed in my 20's was because women don't get acne until those years. I honestly thought I had survived puberty without awful skin, but no - oily skin and acne greeted me in my twenties with open arms! I've gone through TONS and TONS and TONS of products looking for something that clears up acne and fights the oil. I think I finally have a combination that works for my skin: I start out with this face wash. Then...



Clean & Clear: Astringent for Sensitive Skin
I use astringent. When I was a teenager I seriously never washed my face, I rarely used face wash, went to bed with my make up on and everything and STILL had clear skin. Now if I don't do this, I'll regret it for two weeks while I grow a little garden of blemishes all over my face. I find that the astringent is just an extra step in clearing up and preventing blemishes. (I prefer the term "blemish" to "zit," I don't know why - just do.) Then...



Eucerin: Sensitive Skin Facial Lotion with SPF 30
Believe it or not I listen when people scream at me to use lotion with SPF in it. Again...I purchase stuff for sensitive skin because if not these lovely little bumps start cropping up across my cheeks. I use this every morning and my face thanks me because after using face wash and astringent, my face is screaming for moisture.




Dove Soap:
I'm sorry but the use of soap isn't dead. I happen to be pretty hygienic and I feel like body scrub doesn't quite get the job done. I'll usually use soap BEFORE my body scrub and dove has a lot of moisturizers in it too. Living in Utah, especially during the winter, my skin needs as much moisture as it can get - so that means starting in the shower too.



Tresemme Hair Products:
BEFORE I got married I used to spend a LOT more on shampoo and conditioner. It is overwhelmingly apparent that drug store and grocery store shampoos and conditioners have alcohol and other harming ingredients, but sorry folks - the budget calls for it! I truly miss my expensive stuff because while I might be an idiot - I thought I noticed a difference. My hair just felt better! I try to mix it up with shampoo and conditioner every time I buy it. Now for my hair - I need volume because it's sad and limp. So I always buy volumizing shampoo and usually either an anti breakage/ moisturizing conditioner to combat the dry climate and Utah winter. With Tresemme I actually notice that my hair has more volume. Also - it smells great!






Wet N' Wild Concealer: Light
That's right. Wet n' Wild. I think it's known as the "cheap" make up that you bought as your "first" make up. I know my first lipsticks were all wet n' wild. It's $1.99 and I use it still! I've tried TONS of concealers - TONS! And honestly - this stuff covers up like paint! I have dark circles and blemishes from time to time and this concealer is thick and gets the job done. It smells cheap, but it works and doesn't irritate my skin.



Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse
I never have any luck with foundation. I never really had to use it up until about a year ago when I noticed that concealer and powder weren't cutting it. I have huge pores. I wanted to get something somewhat transparent. I also didn't want to worry about that "line" along my chin and hairline - I wanted something that blended well. I like Dream Matte mousse because it does both - it's not thick and heavy feeling on my face and it blends really well.



Covergirl Pressed Powder
I've always used Covergirl except for the 6 month period when I used bare minerals. My skin has never had a bad reaction to it, I like how it doesn't leave a shiny finish and it does it's job. It just works.


Loreal Extra Volume Mascara

I've used this mascara for almost 6 months now. Before that I used Maybelline Volume express. I like "Volume" mascaras because honestly - very few applications so my mascara goes on quickly and I spend less time on make up in the morning. I like the Loreal mascara because with the first coat you notice how easily it sticks to the lashes and it requires about 2 coats and you're done. I like a nice fan of lashes and it does it's job. I have a couple complaints though: it dries out quickly! I think I've bought 8 bottles in the last 6 months! Also...kinda flaky. I still like it but I'll probably go back to my tried and true Maybelline Volume Express after I'm done with this fad.



Almay Liquid Eyeliner: Black Pearl
Almay is known for playing up eye color. I bought this and it's for Hazel eyes...I don't have Hazel eyes. I have brown eyes. Almay thinks I need purple or brown eye liner. I disagree. Fun fact about this liquid eyeliner: it's shimmery! I normally buy Maybelline liquid eyeliner but it's hard to find the correct kind. I like it in this shape - this means that the applicator isn't some flimsy little brush - it's a foam point and goes on quickly. The flimsy brush requires a steady hand and time. Emphasis on time. The foam point is where it's at. I like the little sparkles in Almay's Black Pearl- its kind of fun.


Now: For eyeshadow I have YET to find one that feels just right. Since I have brown eyes, blond hair and fair skin it's hard to find the correct eye shadow that fits ALL outfits and personality. When I've had professionals work with my eyes they ALWAYS put purple on me. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And a mulberry color on my lips. While I know they're very complimentary to my skin, I never buy them and wear them. I like browns, grays and nude lips. Sorry! Right now I'm using smoky browns but I'm not sure it's right. I usually go with a slight smoky eye because let's face it - this is daytime wear. I think next I'll try to find more gold and brown.





Bonne Bell Lip Lites: Cappuccino
And again we revisit middle school make up. What can I say? It's tried and true. I am a bit of a lip gloss hoarder though. I probably have about 18 in my stash and all around this color with variants of pearl and gold finishes. Some are slightly pinker than this shade but its always the same thing. I've noticed that I HATE when a lip gloss feels cake-y and smells like wax. It MUST smell sweet because this stuff goes on right under my nose - I'll wipe it off if it smells waxy. With Bonne Bell's cappuccino I've worn it literally since I was 13. Seriously. Its nude and perfect for day wear. I also like the Vanilla Icing in the Lip Lites too - and they seem to last me FOREVER. I've bought expensive lip glosses but these will always be in my purse as my go-to lip glosses.


Kiko/ Make up Milano: Bronzer
I am very fair. Not in the "pretty" category of the word - I'm just whiter than white. I'd even go as far as to describe my skin tone as transparent. It takes YEARS for me to get some sun and the smell of self tanners makes me gag so I'm stuck being pasty. Bronzer is the only thing that saves me from looking dead in the morning. Bronzers are tricky because many can leave an orange finish. With bronzer I find that paying a little more usually gives me a good quality bronzer. Normally I buy the $18 Victoria's Secret bronzer, which feels ridiculous but I refuse to be orange. Right now I LOVE my Kiko brand bronzer. I'll be very sad when it runs out because I don't want to purchase make up online and, well...I bought it in Italy. No, I'm not a snob, my bronzer broke when I was there for a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I had to find a new one. I went into a Kiko store and immediately wanted to buy everything but limited myself to this bronzer for 9 euros.




Hairspray: Bed Head or Big Sexy Hair
Hairspray is something I don't really budge on either. Once you find a great hairspray it's tough to go back to drug store/ grocery store hairspray. While these are more expensive they really mean what they say when they market firm hairspray. Bed Head is like liquid cement, Big Sexy Hair has the right amount of give. Also - Bed Head smells great. While these cost more I feel like they're worth it because they get the job done.



While I know that I'm not really telling you about brand new and magic products but these are the products I can't live without.

And if anyone has the 411 on good eye shadow - I'm all ears.

Shabby Apple Giveaway: The Dating Divas

Have you ever been to The Dating Divas?

They're a wonderful site with helpful tips and fun ideas to keep the magic going in your marriage. They have fun date ideas to create with the spouse and great suggestions to help you remember how to "date" your spouse.

Well today they're giving away a dress from Shabby Apple to wear out with your significant other.

And have you seen these dresses? They're adorable.

I've wanted one for quite some time now but the question is...how do you narrow it down to just one???

Head on over to the Dating Divas to enter for your chance to win!!

This is happening to my bedside lamps...

So today as I was procrastinating and browsing through some blog favorites I saw this beauty. It's today's tutorial at Tatertots and Jello. I saw this and died.

You see, I'm not particularly thrilled with our bedside lamps - they're kinda modern-y and don't really flow with my idea of what our room could be. (I have big plans...) I've been trying to decide if I should just pick up new lamp shades or keep an eye out for another great deal, like the deal we got on the lamps themselves. ($25 for both...they were a good find.)

And this tutorial is PERFECT! Mark my words - I'll be doing this to my bedside lamps. No seriously, I really will.

Book Review: Part 1

I love to read. My husband says I'm obsessed with it. I wouldn't go that far, but I love a good book.

It really started when I was little. I remember a time when I read for recreation, but then came the time that I had to read for school purposes and it sucked all the life out of it for me. I really didn't pick it back up until high school which was when my Mom handed me a book she bought for my little sister and said, "Read it! It's so good!"

She handed me "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

Harry Potter single handedly got me back into reading. Seriously. Since then I've read books on and off but didn't really find anything until...the Twilight Series. After that the obsession began and I went to the most avid reader I know - My Mom for suggestions.

Below I have some books I've read and I'll give my opinion on the matter. We'll have a 5 star rating system. One being stupid and five being amazing. In between, you get the picture. I'm not going to give a brief description of what the books are about - that's for you to find out yourself, but I'll tell you what I think.

We begin with:

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: ***** (That's five stars)

I loved this series. I love J.K. Rowling's writing and I'll probably buy everything she writes from here on out. I loved following the story and I was so sad when the last one ended because I wanted to know more about the main character's lives. Everyone I knew read the books - everyone. I remember discussing the books with a good friend of mine, who honestly wouldn't seem the type to read Harry Potter...or read in general, but he confided in me that there were moments he cried and threw the book across the room. That, right there, should be a testament to J.K. Rowling's writing skills.

The Twilight Saga: Stephenie Meyer: ***** (5 big huge stars)

I remember hearing about the books and thinking it sounded really stupid. A Vampire Romance Novel? Are you kidding? No, I won't read it. Then my good friends started telling me about how romantic the books were and how amazing Edward was. I thought they'd lost their minds. But one day, out of sheer boredom, I picked up Twilight and started reading it. I got into it about 20 chapters and went out and bought the other two that were on the shelves. Oh Edward (not movie Edward - c'mon Robert Pattinson is a greaseball), that character is one smooth, romantic vampire. I called my Mom, told her about it and explained that after she was done she'd want a vampire of her own. A day later I got a call from her saying, "I want a vampire!" I was hooked. I'm not quite to the point of wearing Team Edward gear, but I do go to all the movies the first week and own all the movies on Blu Ray.

The Hunger Games Series: Suzanne Collins: ***** (Five Stars)

My Mom was the one who lent me the first two books and said that I absolutely had to read them. She had been told to pick them up by a coworker and she absolutely loved them. They're amazing. I read them cover to cover and barely talked to people in between. I really couldn't put them down and waited for what felt like forever for the third and final book to come out. I loved them. The only thing I have to complain about is the ending. I wasn't a fan.

The Host: Stephenie Meyer: 4 1/2 Stars

I really love Stephenie Meyer so when it came out that she was writing another book I knew I'd probably read it. It took a while to get to it, but once I did, I really loved it. There is a lot of story development which makes the book seem really slow at first but once you have all of the crucial information - the book is great. I've heard they're making a movie...and I'm not sure how I feel about it because that'd be kind of hard to make with all the information in the book. Also - being kind of sci-fi - it has the potential to make a stupid movie. I hate when that happens!

The Mortal Instruments Series: Cassandra Clare: 4.5 stars

These books were also suggestions of my Moms. She sent me home with these books and I started one of them on a road trip...which resulted in my husband being ignored for the entire drive because I was hooked. If you're not a fan of fantasy/ sci-fi, don't even try - it takes a lot of imagination. If your mind lets you go there - you'll love them. Also, my Mom informs me that there is a fourth book coming out next month - the series is not complete yet! I also know they're beginning to make the series into movies starring Alex Pettyfer as Jace. I'm not sure how it'll translate into a good movie considering there are a lot of odd concepts to swallow, but I'm sure I'll see it anyway.

The Undaunted: Gerald Lund: 4.5 Stars

This book is historical fiction - I don't just read all teen sci-fi. This was a Christmas gift from my in-laws. I really enjoyed it. I read it on a vacation and found myself in the shade after a nasty sunburn so this book was a life saver. I loved the story and I honestly had not heard about the Hole-in-the-Rock Pioneers before. What an amazing story and I can't believe those Pioneers endured so much! I loved it.

The Aurora Teagarden Series/ Real Murders Series: Charlaine Harris: **** (Four Stars)

These were lent to me by my Mom again...and I believe I still have them somewhere. They're a great murder mystery series by the same woman who wrote the Sookie Sackhouse series (The books that True Blood is based off of.) I liked them, they kept me coming back. Some books I have a hard time getting into, but I can tell I like them if I find myself thinking about them in the middle of the day. If you like a light murder mystery - they're great to read.

I Am Number Four: Pittacus Lore: 4.5 Stars

This was a book that was originally suggested by a blogger I like to read: Busy Bee Lauren. I kept it in mind and looked for it while I was at airports but I couldn't find it. Finally last December I found it in a bookstore inside the Denver Airport. It took up most of the flight and my time for the next few days. I really liked it a lot. Again, you have to have an active imagination, but I really liked the story. I'm worried about this movie coming out next weekend though...it's a book that'd be hard to translate to film without looking stupid...but we'll see.

The obsession got worse once I opened my new Literati eReader for Christmas. My husband says that it is literally attached to me, that I suffer from separation anxiety when I'm not around it. It's only slightly true. I love it. All the books I like in once accessible place! The first books I downloaded were the Hunger Games series. It's a series I had already read, but I'd borrowed my Mom's the first time and it's a book I knew I'd want to read over and over again.

The next books I decided to download were:

The Underland Chronicles: Suzanne Collins: 3.5 Stars

These books were thoroughly enjoyable, but I began reading with the expectation of The Hunger games. The same author, but an entirely different tale. The books are pointed to a younger audience since the main character is 12, but you forget that considering the main character never once acts like a 12 year old. I think Suzanne Collins originally intended her character to be 12 but then kept writing him as if he was 17. The same goes with his younger sister. The only character that acts their age is his 3 year old sister, Boots - who I loved. The books end with the same "Suzanne Collins" type of ending which makes you feel like there was something you missed. But I enjoyed reading them.

Fallen: Lauren Kate: 3.5 Stars

I started reading this series because I wanted to read something in the fantasy/ sci-fi genre again and I had read this was a great book to read. I like to go off of just suggestion alone and hear almost nothing about what the tale is about. I like to find out for myself so I have a genuine opinion. Its another book that requires a lot of imagination and heaven forbid they make movies out of it because they would never be able to translate without being really stupid, but I enjoyed the story line. The first book was good enough to make me curious what the second book held.

Torment: Lauren Kate: 3.5 Stars

The second book was good. The main idea I couldn't get around was the romance. For me it just needs to develop, I can't get on board with the love-at-first-sight concept, in real life or fantasy. It actually happened to my grandparents but it is a really, really, rare thing. And I just couldn't get on board. That and I can't stand wishy-washy love interests. Not even in my favorite romance novels (Twilight) and the love interest, Daniel - super wishy washy. The third book, Passion comes out this fall. I'll probably read it.

Matched: Ally Condie: 4.5 Stars

This was another book suggested by Busy Bee Lauren. She made such a big deal out of it that I decided to purchase it. I actually enjoyed it a lot. The story wasn't ridiculous, the concept was easy and even though it's sci-fi, you don't have to roll your eyes at any of the future/ fantasy concepts it presents. I really enjoyed it and I will definitely buy the second book when it comes out next fall.

A Clockwork Angel: Cassandra Clare: 4.5 Stars

This book is the same concept as the Mortal Instrument Series only set in London during the time of Queen Victoria - an earlier story telling with perhaps ancestors of the characters in the Mortal Instrument series. This is the first book of what seems to be a trilogy. I know I really like the book when I become really annoyed that the next book won't be out for months and months - Fall 2011. I liked the same concept and the new characters...even though the love interest is wishy washy too.

Water For Elephants: Sara Gruen: 3 Stars

Not everyone is the same and has the same opinions about all books. I purchased this book because I had heard such great reviews about it, it was at the top of all popular lists, even in best books of all time lists. Its being made into a movie with Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon for crying out loud - it has to be good right? I need to stop expecting so much when I consider all of those facts. Because I thought it was just ok. I definitely didn't think it was best-seller quality but I'm no professional critic. It was a good enough story but depressing. I realize not all great books have happy endings but I only thought it was so-so.

Currently Reading:

The Outlander: Diana Gabaldon: I'll let you know...

My Mom insisted I read this series, it's her absolute favorite. I finally started a couple nights ago and I'm still getting into it. I'm assuming there is some story development because I'm having a hard time getting into it, but I'm assured I'll love it. We shall see...

So far that's my list - I'll let you know what else I find!